"It's a problem" - Damian Lillard echoes Luka Doncic on unrealistic expectations for young talents

All-Star point guards Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard may be playing for different teams, but they have found something to agree on. According to Doncic, too much pressure is being applied to kids, taking away the joy of playing basketball.

In response, the Dallas Mavericks guard has launched the Luka Doncic Foundation. According to him, one of the goals of the foundation is to make the game enjoyable to little kids again.

Lillard echoed Doncic's sentiments regarding the pressure that kids face by reposting one of the Mavs' guards' posts on his Instagram on Thursday.

"Big big facts," Lillard wrote. "It's a problem."

Damian Lillard's Instagram Story (Photo credits: damianlillard/Instagram)

Luka Doncic's foundation has involved several basketball stars in its quest to reshape basketball for youth. The stars have formed what is called a youth sports council. According to the foundation's website, the council members will aid in changing youth basketball development in a way that young athletes thrive.

The council includes some basketball greats. Former NBA champions Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol are part of it. Two-time MVP Steve Nash is also on the council. Additionally, multiple-time All-Stars Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady are there, too. The council isn't just made up of retired players. Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu are also in it.

Finally, Serbian coach Igor Kokoskov and NBA agent Bill Duffy are also a part of it.

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Damian Lillard once talked about changing the mindset of young hoopers at his basketball camp

Milwaukee Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard has also done his part in helping young basketball talents. Lillard has a basketball camp that helps young hoopers develop their game called Formula Zero.

The camp launched in 2022, and during its first year, Lillard spoke about making changes for the kids both on and off the court. According to him, he would hear high school players say in interviews that they want to play for a team where they're a primary option when they get to the NBA.

That's a mentality that he aimed to change.

"I never would have said that as a kid," Lillard said (Timestamp: 0:46). "I would have been like, 'I want to win a national championship.' It's just different. This camp is about changing that thought process."

Damian Lillard's camp invites the best high school and college players. Last year, the Formula Zero website said that 20 young players from these two categories were invited to take part. It was held in Phoenix, Arizona, from Aug. 14-17.